Words of wisdom inspiring others

AUTHOR Karen Phillips has come a long way since starting her writing career as a cadet for the Tweed Daily News.

The Gold Coast personality this week launched her book, Women's Words of Wisdom, Power and Passion, at Government House in Canberra.

Her book is a celebration of influential Australian women and offers readers personal anecdotes on success, love, health and happiness from the likes of Olivia Newton-John, Cathy Freeman, Miranda Kerr, Quentin Bryce and part-time Tweed resident Julie Anthony.

“Now more than ever before women need to be connected, they need to feel connected, they need to feel they're part of something bigger,” Ms Phillips said.

“Australian women, especially young women, need to be inspired by our innovators, our leaders, our entrepreneurs and women reshaping industries right across Australia.

“I've created this book with the hope of encouraging women to achieve greatness.”

Ms Phillips said she would always be a Tweed girl at heart, having grown up here and attended Tweed River High School.

“At just 14 as one of the youngest delegates invited by the Prime Minister to attend Australia's first ever youth conference back in 1974, I was inspired by the female leaders at the time,” Ms Phillips said.

“That event at Parliament House was one of those defining moments in my life.”

On Tuesday Ms Phillips found herself back at Government House to launch her book, which Governor-General Quentin Bryce personally selected as the showpiece to celebrate 100 years of International Women's Day.

“It's a snapshot of the countless ways women contribute to Australian life,” Ms Bryce said.

During her time as a cadet for the Tweed Daily News, Ms Phillips came second in the Banana Queen competition and represented the state as Tweed's Miss Showgirl.